This morning, as I was MAKING MYSELF wash the pots and pans, I began thinking about my yoga practice and how I have an aversion to the difficult poses. However, as I have gradually learned over the past year, quieting my mind against the "chatter of self-defeating words" and relaxing into the pose, I have found myself able to become a pretzel for moments at a time in poses that I was previously not able to do.
Likewise, there have been hills I have hiked with steep elevation gains that were difficult for me to keep going on... And again, I found the "chatter of self-defeating words" filling my head! How frustrating is that?!? There have been bike rides where the headwinds were so strong that I felt like I wanted to stop my bike and quit riding - Just because the "words in my head" said it was too difficult.
"chatter of self-defeating words": This is too hard. I don't want to do this. I am uncomfortable. I don't like this. I just want to go home. I'm a Princess and I like soft and cuddly things.
When I find these awful words crowding my mind, I guess in that moment I have a choice: To entertain each one and let them invite their friends Quitter, Frustration and Agitation over too OR I can choose to begin focusing on my breathing - in and out - and breathing in Thankfulness for... a roof over my head; good food to eat and dishes to eat it off of; hot water to wash the dishes in; the breathtaking scenery that the Master Artist created for me to explore; a body that is healthy and strong; a heart that is willing to love; and the strength of will to be able to make these choices of Gratitude... and breathing out the discomfort, the struggle and the frustrations of the moment.So, I guess, with this beautiful revelation awakening within my heart this morning... washing the dishes wasn't so bad after all.
Happy Suds,
-Cheryl
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